Design Tips•5 min read
5 Text Overlay Mistakes Everyone Makes (And How to Fix Them)
I've seen thousands of text overlay designs, and the same mistakes keep showing up. Here are the 5 most common errors and simple fixes that will instantly improve your designs.
I've been creating text overlays for years, and I've made every mistake in the book. I've also reviewed thousands of designs from other creators, and I keep seeing the same errors over and over. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Let me walk you through the 5 most common text overlay mistakes and show you exactly how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Text That's Too Small to Read
This is hands down the most common mistake. You create a beautiful design on your laptop, everything looks perfect, then you post it and realize the text is microscopic on mobile screens.
Why It Happens
We design on large screens (laptops, desktops) but 98% of social media is viewed on phones. What looks "normal" on a 15-inch screen is tiny on a 6-inch phone. Plus, we get excited about fitting everything in and forget about readability.
The Fix
Use minimum font sizes: 36pt for headlines, 24pt for body text, 18pt absolute minimum for any text. Always preview on your phone before posting. If you have to zoom to read it, it's too small. When in doubt, go bigger - you can always reduce if needed.
Quick Test
Hold your phone at arm's length. Can you read the text clearly? If not, increase the size. This simple test will save you from countless unreadable posts.
Mistake #2: Poor Contrast (Text Disappears)
You spend time crafting the perfect message, position it carefully, then realize the text blends into the background and becomes invisible. This kills engagement because no one can read your message.
The Problem
White text on light backgrounds, dark text on dark backgrounds, or text placed over busy patterns. Without contrast, your text disappears, and your message is lost.
The Fix
Always ensure high contrast. Use dark text on light areas, light text on dark areas. Add text shadows or outlines for extra readability. Place text over solid background shapes (semi-transparent boxes) if the image is too busy. Test in grayscale - if text disappears, you need more contrast.
Pro Tip
A subtle drop shadow or stroke outline can make almost any text readable on any background. Don't be afraid to use these effects - they're your friend!
Mistake #3: Too Much Text (Overwhelming)
You have so much to say, so you try to fit it all on one image. The result? A cluttered mess that no one wants to read. Less is always more with text overlays.
Why Less Works Better
People scroll fast. You have 2-3 seconds to capture attention. Long paragraphs require too much mental effort. Short, punchy text gets read. Long text gets skipped.
The Fix
Follow the 3-7-15 rule: Headlines should be 3-7 words maximum. Total text on image shouldn't exceed 15-20 words. If you need more, use multiple images (carousel posts) or put details in the caption. One key message per image. If you can't say it in 7 words, simplify your message.
Real Example
Instead of: "Our new collection of handmade sterling silver jewelry features unique designs inspired by nature and crafted with care by skilled artisans" Try: "Handmade Silver Jewelry - Nature Inspired" The second version gets read. The first gets skipped.
Mistake #4: Covering Important Image Elements
You place text perfectly centered, but it covers the person's face, the product, or the main focal point. Now your text is fighting with your image instead of complementing it.
The Problem
Text placed without considering the image composition. Faces, products, and key visual elements get hidden, reducing the overall impact of your design.
The Fix
Always position text in "negative space" - areas without important visual elements. Use the rule of thirds to find safe placement zones. Place text in corners, along edges, or in background areas. If using text behind object effects, let the AI handle placement automatically. When in doubt, move text to corners or bottom third.
Quick Check
Before finalizing, ask: "Does this text hide anything important?" If yes, move it. Your image and text should work together, not compete.
Mistake #5: Inconsistent Branding
Every post uses different fonts, colors, and styles. Your feed looks chaotic, and you miss opportunities to build brand recognition. Consistency is key for professional-looking content.
Why Consistency Matters
Consistent branding helps people recognize your content instantly. It builds trust and professionalism. Random styles look amateur and confuse your audience.
The Fix
Create a simple style guide: Choose 1-2 fonts and stick with them. Pick 2-3 brand colors for text. Use consistent text placement (always top-left, or always bottom-right). Maintain similar text sizes across posts. Use the same effects (shadows, outlines) consistently.
Simple Style Guide Example
Font: Bold sans-serif for headlines, regular sans-serif for body. Colors: White text with black outline, or black text. Placement: Top-left corner for headlines, bottom-right for CTAs. Size: 48pt headlines, 24pt body. Effects: Subtle drop shadow on all text. Stick to this for 10+ posts, and watch your brand recognition grow.
Bonus: The One Thing That Fixes Most Problems
If you only remember one thing from this article, remember this: Always preview on mobile before posting. 98% of your audience is on phones. What looks good on desktop often fails on mobile. Preview, adjust, then post. This simple habit will eliminate 80% of text overlay mistakes.
Quick Checklist Before Posting
Run through this checklist before hitting publish:
- ✓ Text is readable at arm's length on phone
- ✓ High contrast between text and background
- ✓ Text is 15 words or less
- ✓ Text doesn't cover faces or important elements
- ✓ Fonts and colors match your brand style
- ✓ Previewed on actual mobile device
- ✓ Text has shadow/outline if needed for readability
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the biggest mistake you see?
Text that's too small. Hands down. People design on laptops and forget that 98% of viewing happens on phones. Always preview on mobile - it's the #1 fix for most problems.
How do I know if my text has enough contrast?
Convert your image to grayscale temporarily. If the text disappears or becomes hard to read, you need more contrast. Add shadows, outlines, or background shapes until it's clearly readable.
Is it okay to use different fonts sometimes?
For special occasions or variety, sure. But 80% of your posts should use consistent fonts. This builds brand recognition. Save the fun fonts for special posts, not every post.
What if my image is too busy for text?
Add a semi-transparent background shape behind your text. A dark box behind white text (or vice versa) ensures readability on any background. Don't be afraid of background shapes - they're professional and effective.
How do I fix text that covers important parts?
Move it! Use corners, edges, or the bottom third. Or use text behind object effects that automatically place text behind subjects. The key is finding negative space - areas without important visual elements.
Conclusion
These 5 mistakes are so common because they're easy to miss when you're focused on creating. But they're also easy to fix once you know what to look for. The best part? Fixing these mistakes takes seconds, but the impact on your engagement is huge. Start with the basics: readable size, good contrast, concise messaging. Then build consistency. Before you know it, your text overlays will look professional and drive real results. Remember, every designer makes these mistakes - the difference is learning to catch and fix them. Use the checklist, preview on mobile, and keep improving. Your designs will get better with every post!
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